[QUICK REVIEW] Honda Vario – The Perfect Mid-Range Scooter Option

The Mid-Range Scooter Segment: Fierce Competition with Room for Improvement

In the low-end segment, Honda Vision dominates the market, overshadowing rivals FreeGo and Janus. In the high-end segment, Honda SH and SH mode have become iconic and made other models envious of their success.

The mid-range scooter segment has also witnessed the success of the Honda Lead and Air Blade duo, contributing to Honda’s capture of 80% of the overall motorcycle market share in Vietnam.

However, there is still a demand in the market for a masculine design scooter like the Air Blade, yet convenient like the Lead. To fulfill this demand, Honda Vietnam has officially introduced the Vario scooter before the start of the new year 2023.

The Yamaha Grande competes directly with the Honda Lead, both targeting female users. The NVX, on the other hand, appeals to young male riders who seek a sporty character. The Air Blade is designed for the stylish male customer group and continuously rejuvenated.

The Vario combines many attractive factors: a young and sporty “cool” design with angular and multi-layered shapes. It offers convenience for everyday use and comes at a very reasonable price due to local assembly.

Although the Honda Vario has been available from privately imported sources in Vietnam, they come with high prices and limited warranty and maintenance policies. The introduction of the Honda Vario will provide consumers with a reasonable choice and be a potential best-selling product for Honda Vietnam.

Multi-Purpose, Convenient, and Eye-Catching

The Honda Vario is designed for young users who appreciate a sporty scooter with impressive and eye-catching aesthetics. The front area is enhanced with a shiny black plastic panel, creating a rebellious appeal.

In Vietnam, the license plate is placed at the back of the scooter, making the front area appear quite awkward. The front trim panel of the Vario solves this issue and enhances the scooter’s overall appearance.

The uniquely designed vertical turn signal lights lead to the side body panels, which are expanded on both sides like overlapping layers. The two strips of Demi lights create depth and fierceness for the LED eyes. This design gives the front of the bike a powerful look, reminiscent of Robot Gundam and Japanese Meka movies.

Unlike the Honda Air Blade, the Vario scooter features a flat footboard for everyday convenience. The foot space is wide at 422mm, providing comfort and flexibility for carrying long objects when needed.

Another difference from the Air Blade is the use of a single shock absorber for the rear wheel on the Honda Vario. The larger tires on the wheels, with sizes of 100/80-14 for the front and 120/70-14 for the rear, enhance grip. The bike is equipped with Y-shaped rims, adding to its distinctive look.

The seat is designed with two levels and a slightly curved backrest for the front passenger, providing comfort for both riders. With a seat height of 778mm, it is well-suited for the Vietnamese body shape.

The rear handle is powder-coated for durability and longevity. The rear taillight cluster features a neatly designed 3D look and appears more aggressive with the separate turn signal, similar to larger displacement models.

Under the seat, the Honda Vario provides a spacious 17.9L storage compartment, capable of accommodating a half-face helmet and various everyday items.

Furthermore, two convenient storage compartments are located below the handlebars. The left compartment is equipped with a USB charging port and a safe waterproof cover, allowing users to charge their phone while on the move.

Similar to the Air Blade, the Honda Vario features a single-color digital display with a simplified interface for extremely clear and sharp visibility even under direct sunlight.

In addition to displaying basic parameters such as speed, remaining fuel, distance traveled, and time, the bike provides users with other useful operating information, including fuel consumption level, battery voltage, maintenance reminders, and an anti-theft alarm.

The smart display is accompanied by a convenient Smartkey, providing an anti-theft function. The key also integrates a location determination button in the parking lot and an alarm function.

Performance

The Honda Vario is equipped with an eSP+ 160 engine, delivering a maximum power of up to 11.3 kW and a torque reaching 14.1 Nm. Its fuel consumption is an impressive 2.2L/100km, thanks to electronic fuel injection technology and the Idling Stop feature, which temporarily turns off the engine when stopped at traffic lights.

The bike’s frame benefits from eSAF technology, featuring laser welding. This technology reduces weight while increasing durability and load capacity.

The Honda Vario 160 is available in four versions: high-end, special, sporty, and standard, each available in a different color. The sporty and special versions are equipped with front wheel ABS, with prices ranging from 51.69 – 56.19 million VND.

Special Offer

Customers who purchase a genuine Honda Vario scooter at HEAD stores nationwide will receive up to seven benefits, including a free test drive before purchase, quality assurance meeting Honda’s global standards, a 3-year or 30,000 km warranty, free periodic inspections every 6 months, genuine spare parts replacement, qualified technicians, additional features on the My Honda+ app, and attractive promotion programs, installment purchases, as well as other interactive activities.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)